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Hamilton Central Business Association is thrilled to announce that the prestigious Love the Centre Awards 2025, proudly sponsored by Spark Business and supported by Mediaworks, will be held at the stunning K'aute Pasifika Village Fale on 29 October 2025. This beautiful, purpose-built venue inspired by Pacific meeting house designs is situated on the Western Town Belt at 100 Seddon Road, forming part of Hamilton's significant green space surrounding the central city.

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In a celebration that honours both innovation and heritage, winners will receive unique trophies crafted from Founders Theatre blocks, paying tribute to one of Hamilton's most cherished cultural landmarks that previously stood on the Western Town Belt. These meaningful awards symbolise the connection between Hamilton's rich history and its vibrant future.

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"We're excited to bring the Love the Centre Awards to K'aute Pasifika, a landmark venue that represents community connection and cultural celebration," said Vanessa Williams, General Manager of Hamilton Central Business Association. "These awards honour the businesses and individuals who embody our vision to be a premier central city business destination in New Zealand. Their contributions create the vibrant, bustling environment that makes Hamilton central extraordinary."

The $80 million regional theatre is almost ready to raise its curtain but before the first performance begins, Hamilton’s hospo bosses are ready to steal the spotlight.

Five distinct hospitality offerings will open inside the precinct this November, promising everything from a French-inspired bistro and neighbourhood pub to a speakeasy cocktail lounge, a deli, and the rebirth of the city’s most iconic bar, Wonder Horse.

The vision belongs to hospo heavyweights Mat Pedley, Alex Hudson and John Moughan — the trio behind some of Hamilton’s busiest venues, including Reggie’s, Mr Pickles, Everyday Eatery, and Last Place.

Alongside is Jonathan Knapp, who is stepping in as general manager and co-owner of Hamilton Hotel, the anchor venue set to greet every guest as they enter the theatre complex.

“This is the biggest project in Hamilton,” Pedley said, calling the scale simply “awesome.” Hudson agreed, describing it as “pretty exciting,” and both said it was as much about investing in Hamilton’s CBD as it was about hospitality.

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Save the date: New Zealand’s newest world-class entertainment venue, the Waikato Regional Theatre, will officially open its doors on Monday, January 19.

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And one of New Zealand’s best singer-songwriters will be taking part in a first week of events that promises to be a memorable chapter in Hamilton’s history.

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The series of opening events comprise three nights of community opening celebrations titled To The Stars/Ki ngā Whetū - which is described as being “built through the hands, voices and imaginations of the Waikato community”.

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This will be followed by theatre operators Live Nation’s official launch event on the evening of January 23 - further details on which will be revealed within the next few weeks.

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The opening week will close out the following night with one of Aotearoa’s most beloved and awarded artists, Sir Dave Dobbyn, who will bring his Selected Songs Tour to the Waikato.

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